While Henry has at least been playing, Scholes spent the last six months putting out the cones on United's training ground. He must be one very fit boy.

SUN JAN 15

MET Robbie Savage at the npower 'What's Your Goal' campaign designed to get 300 11-16 year olds into work experience at football clubs, a very worthwhile cause.

Safe to say Robbie and I have a bit of form — I criticised his motives when he wanted to leave Birmingham — but we cleared the air and kissed and made up... without the kissing!

As for his hairstyle, let's just say I think he is growing into that look. Robbie has defined the fact that there is life after football. A radio presenter, a TV personality and no doubt much more to come.

MON JAN 16

DROPPED into the Sky TV studios to outline West Ham's case for moving into the Olympic Stadium, now that the new tender process is under way.

We have always believed we could deliver the legacy — the community benefits, the jobs and the opportunities the stadium could and should deliver to the East End specifically, but also nationally.

I also think we would work well with our friends at UK Atheltics — but it has to be right for West Ham, and right for the next 99 years.

It is, after all, in our borough. A final decision will be made towards the end of March.

TUES JAN 17

FINALLY got round to watching highlights of the Arsenal-Swansea game.

One thing struck me above all else... who is Brendan Rogers? He has done one hell of a job?

For a domestic club to out-play Arsenal at their own pass-and-move game is quite remarkable. You would expect it of Barcelona or one of the Italians. But Swansea? Just incredible.

Rogers is clearly going places.

He has even got Danny Graham scoring regularly in the Premier League, five years after Middlesbrough let him go to Carlisle on a free.

I'll make no bones about it, I enjoy watching Swansea and long may they soar this season.

WED JAN 18

I'M struggling to trim the West Ham staff.

Two of our players are steadfastly refusing to move on, even though the contracts they have been offered elsewhere are as lucrative as a King's ransom... a Saudi one at that.

Sometimes it is about balancing the books, and sometimes it's about refreshing what you've got.

That is something which two clubs this week have evidently failed to do as both Hearts and Darlington are struggling.

With football's finances failing in many cases to keep pace with astronomical wages I suspect there will be many more casualties to come.

THURS JAN 19

ASTON VILLA are opening discussions with supporters' groups over reintroducing standing areas at their home.

Personally, I can't think of anything worse than standing at a football match for two hours.

The health and safety brigade will be against it but in this world the customer has the right to choose and if some fans would prefer to stand, fair enough. As a youngster I lived near Spurs' ground and the only time I ever stood was at a game there.

I spent the whole match straining my neck to look over other fans and as for personal space, forget it.

SO, Chelsea are off on a mini-break to Majorca and Newcastle have chosen Tenerife.

If only the Brady bunch could jet off somewhere sunny right now. But the January transfer window means no chance.

I fully understand these clubs and others wanting to get some warm-weather training under their belts, but in Andre Villas-Boas' case it would give perfect ammunition to his critics should Chelsea return and lose a couple of matches.

But we could all do with some sunshine in the bleak mid-winter.

The mini-break idea was used by Brian Clough over many years and it certainly didn't do his teams any harm.

the sun

Hammers can be cream of crop

DAVID SULLIVAN and David Gold this week celebrate their second anniversary as West Ham owners.

And manager Sam Allardyce wants to give them the perfect present — by taking the Hammers top of the Championship.

Big Sam's boys will reach the summit with victory over struggling Nottingham Forest.

And Allardyce insists his relationship with the owners could not be better — despite his initial fears about their outspoken reputation.

He explained: "I think that reputation has put them in the wrong context because I had that impression before I came.

"But I have found them not to be like what they've perhaps portrayed themselves and what they've said in the media."

Sullivan and Gold, who made their fortune in the porn industry, have a history of clashes with managers, including Allardyce's predecessor Avram Grant, who was sacked as Hammers boss one season into a four-year contract.

During their 16-year reign at Birmingham City, the pair faced accusations of interfering because of their frequent public criticism of managers, players and even fans.

But Allardyce defended his bosses, saying: "The media have caught them when they have been disappointed with what's happening at their club and they've made a statement that has created some headlines.

"I haven't found them to be like that yet — and I certainly hope it continues that way for some time. It's been a good working relationship between myself and David Sullivan particularly, and David Gold, whenever he wants to come in.

"Whether that changes if we had a bad run of results and the pressure comes on, I don't know. It may do, it may not."

Allardyce says he has the owners' full support when it comes to transfers — and was wowed by how quickly they closed the deal for midfielder Kevin Nolan.

Big Sam said: "I went away and I got a phone call 48 hours later saying, 'Come and meet Kevin'. They said, 'He's here, it's done'. It is magnificent in terms of making a statement on what we wanted to do. I haven't experienced that before."

Like all good relationships, Allardyce says theirs is built on good communication. He added: "The biggest factor is how do we communicate for the good of the football club. How do we go about doing our jobs in a very difficult industry and making sure that we work as harmoniously as we can."

Today Allardyce has the chance to reward Gold and Sullivan's gamble on West Ham, which they bought while it was £110million in debt.

They can overhaul leaders Southampton today — at least until the Saints host Leicester on Monday.

Allardyce said: "Most of this season we have climbed the mountain and then we've just slipped off the peak, and just slid back down slightly again.

"What we can do this time is stay on top of the peak of the mountain and try and win the three points to get a little bit ahead of Southampton — even for a short time."

the mirror

the mail

Heading south? Jelavic is the subject of bid from West Ham now i know why they call him big sam

Forget it, Sam! Rangers spurn £6m Allardyce offer for striker Jelavic

Rangers have warned West Ham that their £6million approach for Nikica Jelavic falls way below the club’s valuation of the striker.

Sam Allardyce is desperate to bring in a quality striker to boost the London club’s push for promotion back to the Premier League after being relegated last season.

After seeing his advances for Scotland wonderkid Jordan Rhodes rejected, he has now turned his attention to Jelavic but is being warned he will have to dig deep to secure the Croatian front man, with Rangers owner Craig Whyte placing a £10m price tag on his prized asset.

The Ibrox club are clearly hoping, however, that the initiation of talks will bring other interested parties out of the woodwork like QPR, Sunderland and Liverpool — and spark an auction for the striker.

A Rangers spokesman confirmed to Sportsmail that ‘informal talks’ between the two clubs had taken place but manager Ally McCoist stressed: ‘No, there hasn’t been a bid. I made enquiries and there has been no offer put on the table for Jelavic from anyone.

‘And, having spoken to Craig and Ali Russell, I can certainly say that Craig feels the amount mentioned, £6m, was well short. So that was his view on it.

the mail

On his way: Axed striker Kevin Davies admits his future at Bolton is uncertainOn alert: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is an admirer of Davies

Davies puts Hammers on alert after axed striker admits he could leave Bolton

Bolton skipper Kevin Davies has put former boss Sam Allardyce on alert at West Ham after admitting he does not know whether he has a future at the Reebok Stadium.

The 34-year-old forward has lost his first-team place as the Trotters scrap for Premier League survival.

His axe has not gone unnoticed by Allardyce who is on the hunt to sign a new striker for the Championship promotion hopefuls and is believed to be interested in the one-time England international.

Although Davies did make a goalscoring appearance in Tuesday's FA Cup win over Macclesfield, he will be back on the bench for Saturday's home encounter with Liverpool, when £4million man David Ngog is set to lead the Bolton attack.

Manager Owen Coyle has spoken in glowing terms about Davies over the past few days.

The Scot insists that, on top form, the former England international would be a major benefit to Bolton's chances of avoiding relegation.

However, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, talks over an extension are yet to begin.

And Davies confirmed he faces an uncertain future.

'I have no idea what my future will be,' he told the Bolton Evening News.

talksport

West Ham striker John Carew has been spotted around celebrity haunts with glamourous lass Sabine Jemeljanova. She moved to London from Latvia aged 16 to learn English and liked it so much she decided to stay. Now all grown up, Sabine is fast becoming one of Britain's most popular glamour girls, regularly gracing the likes of Nuts mag. She's got brains as well as beauty, achieving six A-Levels before launching her modelling career. In fact, she could well be a bigger name than John Carew very soon!

the telegraph

Fulham and West Ham are understood to have bid around £6 million for the Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic

West Ham United and Fulham are both understood to have bid around £6 million for the highly-rated Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic.Fulham and West Ham after Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic

Championship club West Ham — who are pushing for an immediate return to the Premier League — are understood to have made the running in their attempts to sign the Croatian.

A bid of £5 million cash but £1 million based on appearances is understood to have been submitted by West Ham who are keen to bolster their attacking options and have been thwarted in their attempts to sign Huddersfield Town’s Jordan Rhodes or Cardiff City’s Peter Whittingham.

If Jelavic was signed by West Ham it would be a clear sign of intent by the owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, and also a significant fee for a club outside of the Premier League.

Fulham are also desperate to improve their strike force with significant questions marks over the future of Bobby Zamora and, more immediately, Andy Johnson who is out of contract this summer.

Rangers have suggested that £6 million would not be enough to persuade them to sell Jelavic but West Ham will not go above that figure for a player who remains relatively unproven.

Rangers claimed they rejected a bid of £6.5 million from Leicester City for Jelavic last summer and also an offer of £9 million from an unnamed club shortly before the transfer window closed. Jelavic later said that he had rejected an approach from the Turkish club, Fenerbahce.

Jelavic, 26, has been a revelation this season in Scottish football, scoring 17 goals and Rangers are understood to be considering replacements for him should a deal be struck.

west ham till i die

A Deal that Shows Ambition and an Eye to the Future!

The speculation on West Ham’s alleged transfer targets continues apace. It has ranged from Huddersfield’s Jordan Rhodes to veterans like Bolton’s Kevin Davies and through to the latest rumours concerning our supposed interest in Jelavic at Rangers. However, one mooted deal that does stand out for me is the bid for Watford’s Marvin Sordell. Sordell is an U-21 England international, who can either play wide or as an out and out striker. He has the stamp of quality about him, together with the tools to perform not only this season in the Championship, but also (hopefully) next season in the PL. I have seen watching his progress at Watford and he is strong, possesses pace and has shown the ability to finish clinically. Sordell is not the finished product, far from it, but he is ready and able to do a good job at this level. The real test for him would be adapting to the different requirements of the PL, but we can have every expectation that he could be successful in making the transition. For me, it is a deal that ticks all the boxes. It would show ambition and an eye to the future.

On occasions this season, Sam Allardyce has been criticised for allegedly not trusting sufficiently in youth and relying too much on the likes of Faye, McCartney, Diop and even Nolan. Well, the fact is that having a core of such experienced players is essential. They have been there, done it and have the battles honours to prove it. I personally agree with those who have argued that Montano should have been retained in the squad, and given his chance on the left flank, with the prolonged injury absence of Matt Taylor. In contrast, it probably has to be admitted that the likes of Lee, Brown and Nouble were not ready for the first team and the decision to loan them out was correct. As Allardyce stated recently on TV, nothing aids the development of youngsters like going out on loan and experiencing first team football. Yes, you are looking for them to learn whilst on loan, but you also want to see prospects shining at a lower level of football. Thus, demonstrating their promise and the fact that they are ultimately a ‘cut or two above.’ In that respect, the likes of Montano, Hall, Lee and, now, George Moncur have done just that; while Frank Nouble came on significantly during his last loan period at Gillingham. The really worrying sitation is where prospects do not deliver the goods whilst on loan. And there are one or two that currently fall in to that category.

Anyway, I digress slightly, we have substantial experience in this squad and that has stood us in good stead at times this season. However, I do feel that it also affords us the opportunity to sign a younger players like Sordell. The names being mentioned for an exit this January usually include Piquionne, Carew and Sears. Of these, Piquionne is probably most likely to depart; whilst Carew is almost certain to be retained this season. As for Freddie Sears, well the lad’s situation has certainly proven to be something of a enigma. He has a very good goal scoring record at youth and reserve team level, but has largely disappointed at first team level and whilst on loan. He originally looked to be a natural penalty box poacher, but more recently has been played wide right, with varying degrees of success. As a result, some fans have run out of patience and have openly called for him to be sold. Well, I suppose we might need a part-exchange ‘sweetner’ to oil the wheels of a deal for Marvin Sordell, and perhaps Sears could figure in the equation? Although it does not necessarily have to be a permanent deal, it could be a longer-term loan arrangement to see whether Sears might be something of a ‘late developer.’ I would favour a long term loan, myself, as I feel that Sears needs to secure regular first team football somewhere to prove once and for all if he has what it takes? Although others would no doubt conclude that he has had his chances and its time to cash in!

Finally, we should be looking for a healthy victory at home to Notts Forest this afternoon. Hopefully, we can win by at least a two goal margin, of say 2-0 or 3-1. Here’s hoping, COYI!

ps. Thanks to Bradez for his helpful and informative transfer window updates, keep up the good work.

pps. And a concluding thought for Dylan Tombides, an outstanding Hammers youth product, who has undergone treatment for testicular cancer. Recent reports have suggested that he now requires further treatment for his condition. Lets pray that it is merely a temporary set back in his recovery back to health, fitness and a successful football career.

SJ. Chandos.

west ham till i die

Is Nikita Jelavic really worth £9m???

So this evening we were all informed from Sky Sports News that West Ham had opened discussion with Rangers for top goal scorer Jelavic to make the move down south to our boys in claret and blue. Ever since the news had been broadcasted, tweeters went crazy. Adzman immediately contacted his famous ClungeWhu and tweeted that we WILL bid for Jelavic on monday. This fee is believed to be around the £9m mark.

Now Jelavic undoubtedly has an incredible goals per game ratio with the scottish outfit scoring 30 goals in 44 appearances since arriving at Rangers. Before this he scored 25 goals in 75 games for Rapid Vienna so it is clear that with age, he is improving. At only 26 years of age and stands at 6ft 2inches tall, he would certainly strike us all as a player Big Sam would identify. But is he worth £9m. In the short term, I would say undoubtedly yes. In the long run, I cant be completely sure.

The Scottish League in my opinion is a very similar standard of play to the Championship. And with his record of goals, he would certainly do the business up top to get us the goals we need to get promoted. However, IF we are to gain promotion, either automatically or via the dreaded play offs, will Jelavic rise to the occasion and be the Demba Ba type player for us on the big stage. Anyone remember Savio Nsereko. We payed a similar fee for that young lad who we were led to believe would be a superstar. And look what happened. I don’t blame him as a player but the club for investing such a high amount for a player with no premiership experience. Will be very interesting to see how Jelavic would cope if he were to sign for us.

In other news, Adzman has further stated that an offer of £5m from Stoke for Tomkins was immediately rejected with Tomkins set to sign a new 5 year deal with a high increase in his wage package from £14,000 a week to £34,000 a week.

With all this said though, is Jelavic really worth £9m??? Discuss….

Bradley Palmer

bbc sport

West Ham v Nott'm Forest

TEAM NEWS

West Ham could include defender George John following his arrival on loan from FC Dallas.

Sam Baldock is pushing to partner Carlton Cole in attack, but midfielder Matt Taylor (calf) and defender Guy Demel (thigh) are both still out.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cotterill has no new injury or suspension worries.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle may make a move for 28-year-old French striker Sebastien Le Toux, who currently plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. talkSPORT

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Russian forward Andrei Arshavin, 30, will not be sold in the January transfer window. Metro

Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha's representative - his mother - has said a deal with QPR for the 25-year-old will not be completed this weekend. Metro

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is highly unlikely to move to Paris Saint-Germain after his adviser Kia Joorabchian spent the day meeting Leonardo, the director of football, and other PSG executives in France. Inter Milan and AC Milan may now re-enter the race to sign him. the Guardian

Rubin Kazan have held talks about signing Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko who will be out of contract at the end of the season unless the club exercise a one-year clause in his deal.(the Times)

Stoke City have declared an interest in signing QPR striker DJ Campbell on loan.(the Times)

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers says it would take a £30m bid for him to part with any of his stars. South Wales Evening Post

Arsenal manager Wenger has admitted it will be a "disaster" if the club fail to finish in the top four of the Premier League and miss out on the Champions League. Daily Express

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has described team-mate Michael Carrick as the "Rolls-Royce" of the team. : Daily Express

Everton manager David Moyes has admitted he tried to register a 'B' side in the Conference in an attempt to enhance the development of the club's young players. the Guardian

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny insists "there are no scars from the Manchester United mauling" as the sides prepare to meet for the first time since the Gunners' 8-2 drubbing at Old Trafford. London Evening Standard

United could go into Sunday's game at the Emirates without defender Rio Ferdinand. The 33-year-old defender is a major doubt for the game after breaking down in training with a recurrence of an old back injury. : Goal.com

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits he could have done with Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor still at the club.

City midfielder Gareth Barry admits the pressure is growing on Manchester City as they edge closer to a first Premier League title. Daily Mirror

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says his side will go on the offensive at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, insisting Premier League leaders Manchester City are not invincible. v London Evening Standard

Reading chairman Sir John Madejski has agreed a £40m takeover of the club by a Russian tycoon. Daily Mail

New Bolton loan signing Tim Ream has already shown his devotion to the Trotters. The 24-year-old American cancelled his honeymoon in order to complete the move.

pps. And a concluding thought for Dylan Tombides, an outstanding Hammers youth product, who has undergone treatment for testicular cancer. Recent reports have suggested that he now requires further treatment for his condition. Lets pray that it is merely a temporary set back in his recovery back to health, fitness and a successful football career.

From Tombides Facebook on 17th Jan:I've been scheduled for RPLND surgery on the 24th of this month. Shouldn't be too long now before I can start light traing and stick my boots back on!! delightful!x

martwhu wrote:pps. And a concluding thought for Dylan Tombides, an outstanding Hammers youth product, who has undergone treatment for testicular cancer. Recent reports have suggested that he now requires further treatment for his condition. Lets pray that it is merely a temporary set back in his recovery back to health, fitness and a successful football career.

From Tombides Facebook on 17th Jan:I've been scheduled for RPLND surgery on the 24th of this month. Shouldn't be too long now before I can start light traing and stick my boots back on!! delightful!x

Chelsea are preparing a £20m bid for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian. Everton are ready to end their search for a striker by moving for Portugal under-23 international Eder. Juventus have asked Liverpool if they would be interested in signing Milos Krasic. Wolves are exploring the possibility of bringing back Michael Mancienne back to Molineux. QPR will make an improved bid of £3.5m for Tottenham midfielder Steven Pienaar. Stoke are interested in taking QPR's out-of-favour striker DJ Campbell on loan. Preston have signed Chris Holroyd from Rotherham and Andy Proctor from Accrington. Leeds have signed Fabian Delph on loan from Aston Villa.

Daily Mirror

Niko Kranjcar has had his move to QPR blocked by Harry Redknapp. Bolton are keen to make a move for Bayern Munich's David Alaba on loan. Wolves are keen to resign Michael Mancienne from Hamburg.

Daily Record

Swedish winger Mervan Celik last night signed for Rangers. QPR could be set to gazump West Ham for Rangers hitman Nikica Jelavic. Hearts star Ryan Stevenson is holding pre-contract talks with Crawley Town.

The Sun

Arsene Wenger admits it will be a disaster if Arsenal do not qualify for the Champions League. Everton are close to a £500,000 deal for Portugal Under-23 forward Eder. Carlos Tevez has snubbed a £10million move to PSG. Harry Redknapp has blocked QPR's move to snatch Niko Kranjcar from Tottenham - for now.

Daily Star

Gary Cahill has said greed did not delay his move from Bolton to Chelsea. Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has taunted Harry Redknapp and offered to lend Tottenham some money if he is feeling hard up.

Cheerrs CH, great work once again. You know, I have been thinking about all our failed attempts to land a top striker in this window and although, yes, the prices quoted by the selling clubs are a bit inflated, I think we have to ask ourselves, how much is that player potentially worth to us? If the answer is anything over the selling club's asking price, then that price is a price worth paying

Puff Daddy wrote:Cheerrs CH, great work once again. You know, I have been thinking about all our failed attempts to land a top striker in this window and although, yes, the prices quoted by the selling clubs are a bit inflated, I think we have to ask ourselves, how much is that player potentially worth to us? If the answer is anything over the selling club's asking price, then that price is a price worth paying

If we spend 6 million on someone who has done well in the awful scottish league I will be gutted, we could sign rhodes with that and have a little to spare!! Go the extra mile to get the RIGHT player west ham!! Surely we have learnt by now!!